Rio de Janeiro carnival: Stage, samba and stars shine bright

The streets of Rio de Janeiro come alive with parties, samba and dazzling costumes as one of the world’s biggest carnivals unfolds

Each year, the streets of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil come alive with colorful celebrations for a five-day festival. Known as one of the largest carnivals in the world, it attracts around 2 million revelers who take part in lively dance performances, musical parades, stunning costumes, and exuberant parties.

Supermodel Irina Shayk makes her grand carnival debut (Photo: Instagram)

This year, supermodel Irina Shayk made her grand carnival debut, later sharing on Instagram: “Pinch me, this is a dream! I can’t believe this is real… BRAZIL, thank you SO MUCH for the love you gave me!". Model Emily Ratajkowski too dropped pictures on her Instagram from the celebrations. Take a look:

Performers from the Mocidade samba school parade during Carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Tuesday, March 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo) (AP)

A performer from the Portela samba school parades during Carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Wednesday, March 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo) (AP)

A reveller from Grande Rio samba school performs at the Sambadrome during Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil March 5, 2025. REUTERS/Tita Barros (REUTERS)

Julia, the adorable pup, steals the show in a tiara and wings at the dog carnival parade

Brazilian actor and performer Renata Carvalho captivates the audience during her act

It is reported that almost 2 million revellers take to the streets to celebrate the carnival